Wellbore retention system

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, a wellbore system including a longitudinal member disposed within a wellbore; a retention device associated with the longitudinal member, wherein the retention device is configured to deploy in response to a critical fluid flow rate to decelerate the longitudinal member subject to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore. In another aspect, a method of retaining a longitudinal member within a wellbore, including providing the longitudinal member within the wellbore; associating a retention device with the longitudinal member; subjecting the longitudinal member to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore; deploying the retention device in response to a critical fluid flow rate; and decelerating the longitudinal member within the wellbore via the retention device.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to wellbore systems that include retention devices to facilitate retrieval of system elements after an event that may otherwise cause unimpeded travel of system elements.

2. Background

Wellbores are drilled in subsurface formations for the production of hydrocarbons (oil and gas). In the event that well control is compromised, measures are taken to regain well control and minimize damage. Such measures include deploying shear rams to cut tubing and casing, which may cause an unimpeded downward travel of downhole equipment below the shear point. After such an event, it is often desired to minimize damage to downhole equipment and retrieve such equipment.

The disclosure herein provides a wellbore system that includes a retention device to facilitate retrieval of system elements after an event that may otherwise cause unimpeded travel of system elements.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a wellbore system including a longitudinal member disposed within a wellbore; a retention device associated with the longitudinal member, wherein the retention device is configured to deploy in response to a critical fluid flow rate to decelerate the longitudinal member subject to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore.

In another aspect, a method of retaining a longitudinal member within a wellbore, including providing the longitudinal member within the wellbore; associating a retention device with the longitudinal member; subjecting the longitudinal member to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore; deploying the retention device in response to a critical fluid flow rate; and decelerating the longitudinal member within the wellbore via the retention device.

Examples of the more important features of certain embodiments and methods have been summarized rather broadly in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the contributions to the art may be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed understanding of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description thereof, wherein like elements are generally given same numerals and wherein:

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary wellbore system that includes a retention device, according to one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 1B shows an alternative exemplary wellbore system that includes a retention device, according to one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-section about centerline ‘C’ of a non-limiting embodiment of a retention device for use in wellbore system, including the wellbore system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for deployment in a wellbore, such as wellbore shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-section about centerline ‘C’ of another non-limiting embodiment of a retention device for use in wellbore system, including the wellbore system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for deployment in a wellbore, such as wellbore shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B; and

FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-section about centerline ‘C’ of another non-limiting embodiment of a retention device for use in wellbore system, including the wellbore system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for deployment in a wellbore, such as wellbore shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a line diagram of a wellbore system 100 that may be used for workover, pre-completion, or completion phases of oil and gas operations. The system 100 is shown to include a casing 108 cemented in wellbore 104 formed in a formation 102. Tubing 112 is deployed at a downhole location 106 within casing 108. Tubing 112 may be attached to or include other elements of wellbore system 100 not illustrated. In exemplary embodiments, tubing 112 is a relatively longitudinal member within the casing 108.

Tubing 112 may be associated with well control device 110, such as blow out preventers or other well control equipment that may utilize shear rams or other devices that may sever and isolate tubing 112 below the well control device. Well control device 110 is located at the surface of formation 102 and is attached at the well head. Downhole of the well control device 110, retention devices 116 a, 166 b may be associated with tubing 112. In an exemplary embodiment, retention devices 116 a, 116 b may be spaced apart. In other embodiments, at least one retention device 116 a, 116 b is located proximal a lower end of the tubing 112.

In the event that tubing 112 is severed by the well control device 110 the portion of tubing 112 downhole of the well control device 110 may experience unimpeded downward travel through fluid 114. In response to a critical fluid flow relative to retention device 116 a, 116 b, the retention device 116 a, 116 b may deploy to decelerate the portion of tubing 112. In certain embodiments, retention device 116 a, 116 b further retains the respective portion of tubing 112 at a downhole location.

FIG. 1B shows an alternative embodiment of wellbore system 100 utilizing casing and tubing of multiple diameters. At a downhole location 106 a, wellbore 104 a may have a first diameter. Accordingly, casing 108 a and tubing 112 a at downhole location may similarly have a respective first diameter. At a further downhole location 106 b, wellbore 104 b may have a second diameter. Accordingly, casing 108 b and tubing 112 b may similarly have a respective second diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, wellbore 104 b, casing 108 b, and tubing 112 b, each or all have a smaller respective diameter than wellbore 104 a, casing 108 b, and tubing 112 b. In an exemplary embodiment, retaining device 116 a is associated with the tubing 112 a to potentially interact with casing 108 a, while retaining device 116 b is associated with the tubing 112 b to potentially interact with casing 108 b to decelerate and potentially retain tubing 112 a and 112 b at various downhole locations.

A non-limiting embodiment of a retention device for use in the wellbore system 100 is described in reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-section about a centerline ‘C’ of a non-limiting embodiment of a retention device for use in wellbore system, including the wellbore system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for deployment in a wellbore, such as wellbore shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Retention device 216 includes a mandrel 217, a carrier 218 with gage rings 224, flow restrictors 226 and slip 228. Retention device 216 is associated with tubing 112. Carrier 218 may interface with retainer 222 in response to a critical fluid flow 114 a. Further, carrier 218 may interface with cone 220 in response to the critical fluid flow 114 a, pushing carrier 218 outward toward casing 108 to decelerate and retain tubing 112 within casing 108.

In an exemplary embodiment, mandrel 217 of retention device 216 is associated with tubing 112. In certain embodiments, mandrel 217 is threadedly coupled to tubing 112 via threaded connection 219 at the upper and lower ends of mandrel 217. Accordingly, mandrel 217 and retention device 216 generally are threaded or otherwise assembled in line with tubing 112 at desired locations. In certain embodiments, retention device 216 is pre-assembled with tubing 112 before tubing 112 is deployed.

In an exemplary embodiment, carrier 218 is associated with mandrel 217 and retained with a shoulder 213. The shoulder 213 limits relative downward travel of carrier 218 and further retains carrier 218 in the desired area relative to mandrel 217. Carrier 218 is disposed around mandrel 217 and may contain gage rings 224, flow restrictors 226, and slips 228. In an exemplary embodiment, carrier 218 translates along mandrel 217 in response to force exerted by gage rings 224, flow restrictors 226, and slips 228. In an exemplary embodiment, carrier 218 is retained by a retainer 222, wherein retainer 222 may be a collet or shear ring. Retainer 222 keeps carrier 218 from translating upward and engaging cone 220 until a critical force is achieved.

Flow restrictors 226 create drag against flow 114 a as flow passes there through. In an exemplary embodiment flow restrictors 226 deploy to the inside diameter of casing 108 to create drag and decelerate tubing 112. In an exemplary embodiment, specific flow restrictors 226 are triggered at specific flow rates, meaning a different plurality of flow restrictors 226 may be activated in response to different relative flows 114 a. As flow restrictors 226 are deployed and increase drag, the flow restrictors 226 impart a relatively upward force on carrier 218. Flow restrictors 226 may be made of any suitable material, including elastomeric materials.

In an exemplary embodiment, gage rings 224 are disposed between flow restrictors 226. Gage rings 224 may compress under load, and serve to generally increase drag. Gage rings 224 may be made of any suitable material, including elastomeric materials.

Both flow restrictors 226 and gage rings 224 apply force to the carrier 218 in response to a flow 114 a. After sufficient force (considered a critical force or flow) is achieved to overcome the resistance of retainer 222, carrier 218 may continue upward to interface with cone 220. As carrier 218 interfaces with cone 220, carrier 218 is urged outwardly towards casing 108 to allow slip 228, gage ring 224 and flow restrictors 226 to further interface with casing 108. The interaction between gage rings 224 and flow restrictors 226 with casing 108 may cause a deceleration of tubing 112 or any other system component attached to retention device 216.

In order to further decelerate or fully retain a portion of tubing 112 or other system component, slips 228 may be utilized to engage casing 108 as carrier 218 interfaces with cone 220, as previously described. As slips 228 are urged outward to engage casing 108, slips 228 are configured to provide greater deceleration and retain tubing 112. After the tubing 112 is retained, the weight of tubing 112 allows for slips 228 to remain engaged until retrieval.

Tubing 112 may be retrieved after retaining device 216 is deployed. Retaining device 216 is configured to allow retrieval of tubing 112 and disengaging retaining device 216 at a later time. In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable disengaging device is deployed to disengage slips 228 and otherwise disengage retaining device 216 from casing 108. Tubing 112 and retaining device may then be retrieved.

FIG. 3 shows the partial cross-section about a centerline ‘C” of another non-limiting embodiment of a retention device for use in wellbore system, including the wellbore system shown in FIGS. 1 and 1B, for deployment in a wellbore, such as wellbore shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention device 316 utilizes drag blocks 330 to interface with casing 108 to decelerate tubing 112.

In an exemplary embodiment, mandrel 317 of retention device 316 is associated with tubing 112. In certain embodiments, mandrel 317 is threadedly coupled to tubing 112 via threaded connection 319 at the upper and lower ends of mandrel 317.

In an exemplary embodiment, a carrier 318, initially resting against shoulder 313, is urged relatively upward by a fluid flow 114 a via a deployable flow restrictor 326. As flow restrictor 326 urges the carrier 318 upward, the wedge feature at the upper end of the carrier 318 engages a drag block 330.

Drag block 330 has a complimentary wedge shape. As carrier 318 is urged upward in response to a fluid flow 114 a, the drag block 330 is urged upwardly and outward towards casing 108. Drag block 330 is urged to frictionally interface with casing 108. Drag block 330 is made of any suitable material, including elastomeric materials, to provide adequate frictional characteristics to provide desired deceleration characteristics.

In certain embodiments, the upward movement of drag block 330 urges a wedge block 332 into a complementary wedge of slip 328. In certain embodiments, the use of a wedge block 332 removes the need for a cone as shown in other embodiments. Wedge block 330 can urge slip 328 upwardly and outwardly toward casing 108. In certain embodiments, the drag block 330 may engage casing 108 first to provide sufficient deceleration to reduce or prevent damage to the casing or other system equipment before slips 328 engage to provide a greater deceleration and retention.

FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-section about a centerline ‘C’ of another non-limiting embodiment of a retention device for use in wellbore system, including the wellbore system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for deployment in a wellbore, such as wellbore shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention device 416 features elastomeric blocks 434 a and 434 b.

In an exemplary embodiment, mandrel 417 of retention device 416 is associated with tubing 112. In certain embodiments, mandrel 417 is threadedly coupled to tubing 112 via threaded connection 419 at the upper and lower ends of mandrel 417.

In an exemplary embodiment, elastomeric blocks 434 a and 434 b, compress and deform in response to force and fluid flow 114 a, creating fluidic drag. Further, frictional forces between elastomeric blocks 434 a and 434 b and casing 108 may aid in deceleration. Deceleration characteristics may be determined by varying the parameters of elastomeric blocks 434 a and 434 b, such as size, material, location and quantity.

In certain embodiments, elastomeric block 434 a, initially resting against shoulder 413, is associated with flow restrictor 426. As previously described, flow restrictor 426 may create drag and receive an upward force from fluid flow 114 a. The force of flow restrictor 426 may cause deformation of elastomeric block 434 a. Accordingly, the compression and expansion of elastomeric block 434 a may decelerate tubing 112 by interacting with fluid flow 114 a and casing 108.

In an exemplary embodiment, elastomeric blocks 434 a and 434 b have different durometers to allow for different decelerations at different deformations, forces and fluid flows 114 a. The elastomeric blocks 434 a, and 434 b may compress and expand outward and frictionally contact casing 108 at different fluid flows to allow for greater control over deceleration of tubing 112.

An exemplary embodiment includes a wedge block 432 to urge a slip 428 upwardly and outwardly toward casing 108. In an exemplary embodiment, elastomeric blocks 434 a, 434 b decelerate the tubing 112 sufficiently to avoid or reduce damage to tubing 112 during retention and engagement by slips 428.

Therefore in one aspect, the present disclosure provides A wellbore system including a longitudinal member disposed within a wellbore; a retention device associated with the longitudinal member, wherein the retention device is configured to deploy in response to a critical fluid flow rate to decelerate the longitudinal member subject to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore. In certain embodiments, the retention device is further configured to retain the longitudinal member relative to the wellbore in response to the critical fluid flow rate. In certain embodiments, the retention device is configured to engage a casing disposed outside the longitudinal member in response to the critical fluid flow rate. In certain embodiments, the retention device is configured to be disengaged by a disengaging device. In certain embodiments, the retention device includes an anchor member configured to engage the casing. In certain embodiments, the anchor member is at least one of a group consisting of: a slip and a friction member. In certain embodiments, the retention device is disposed proximate a lower end of the longitudinal member. In certain embodiments, the retention device is a plurality of retention devices spaced apart. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of retention devices includes an anchor member configured to engage a plurality of casing diameters. In certain embodiments, the retention device includes an elastomeric member configured to deform in response to the critical fluid flow rate. In certain embodiments, the elastomeric member has a plurality of durometers.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides A method of retaining a longitudinal member within a wellbore, including providing the longitudinal member within the wellbore; associating a retention device with the longitudinal member; subjecting the longitudinal member to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore; deploying the retention device in response to a critical fluid flow rate; and decelerating the longitudinal member within the wellbore via the retention device. In certain embodiments, further including retaining the longitudinal member relative to the wellbore via the retention device. In certain embodiments, further including: providing a casing disposed outside the longitudinal member; and engaging the casing via the retention device. In certain embodiments, further including disengaging the retaining device via a disengaging device. In certain embodiments, the retention device includes an anchor member. In certain embodiments, the anchor member is at least one of a group consisting of: a slip and a friction member. In certain embodiments, the retention device is a plurality of retention devices spaced apart. In certain embodiments, further including deforming an elastomeric member of the retention device in response to the critical fluid flow rate. In certain embodiments, the elastomeric member has a plurality of durometers. 

1. A wellbore system comprising: a longitudinal member disposed within a wellbore; a retention device associated with the longitudinal member, wherein the retention device is configured to deploy in response to a critical fluid flow rate to decelerate the longitudinal member subject to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore.
 2. The wellbore system of claim 1, wherein the retention device is further configured to retain the longitudinal member relative to the wellbore in response to the critical fluid flow rate.
 3. The wellbore system of claim 1, wherein the retention device is configured to engage a casing disposed outside the longitudinal member in response to the critical fluid flow rate.
 4. The wellbore system of claim 3, wherein the retention device is configured to be disengaged by a disengaging device.
 5. The wellbore system of claim 3, wherein the retention device comprises an anchor member configured to engage the casing.
 6. The wellbore system of claim 5, wherein the anchor member is at least one of a group consisting of: a slip and a friction member.
 7. The wellbore system of claim 1, wherein the retention device is disposed proximate a lower end of the longitudinal member.
 8. The wellbore system of claim 1, wherein the retention device is a plurality of retention devices spaced apart.
 9. The wellbore system of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of retention devices comprises an anchor member configured to engage a plurality of casing diameters.
 10. The wellbore system of claim 1, wherein the retention device comprises an elastomeric member configured to deform in response to the critical fluid flow rate.
 11. The wellbore system of claim 10, wherein the elastomeric member has a plurality of durometers.
 12. A method of retaining a longitudinal member within a wellbore, comprising: providing the longitudinal member within the wellbore; associating a retention device with the longitudinal member; subjecting the longitudinal member to an unimpeded travel within the wellbore; deploying the retention device in response to a critical fluid flow rate; and decelerating the longitudinal member within the wellbore via the retention device.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising retaining the longitudinal member relative to the wellbore via the retention device.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing a casing disposed outside the longitudinal member; and engaging the casing via the retention device.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising disengaging the retaining device via a disengaging device.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the retention device includes an anchor member.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the anchor member is at least one of a group consisting of: a slip and a friction member.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the retention device is a plurality of retention devices spaced apart.
 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising deforming an elastomeric member of the retention device in response to the critical fluid flow rate.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the elastomeric member has a plurality of durometers. 